Fall Lawn Preparations

Fall is here! The change in the season means for some big changes to prepare for in the yard. Dropping temperatures and falling leaves provide for some extra chores around the house. If some of these chores are left unattended, your lawn could pay a price!

Leaves: Mulch, Burn, or Throw Away?

The biggest chore we can think of in the fall is dealing with all of the leaves. Should you rake them into big piles and burn at the edge of your property? Should you shove them in lawn bags and leave them by the curb? Should you just mow over and mulch them to scatter them on your lawn? 

The answer: 

Mulch! By mulching these leaves, you are allowing nutrients to be returned to the soil. Mulching these leaves will not be as simple as mowing your lawn. Make several passes in different directions to ensure no large clumps are left and the leaf material is finely chopped up. 

Piles of leaves that are left unattended will have some very nasty consequences in the Spring. The compaction of the wet leaves will choke out the grass it is covering. The leaves provide a great place for different winter fungus to grow and spread. Waiting until Spring for leaf cleanup will do more harm than good. Thin areas that have large clumps of leaf debris collected will become stressed and drastically hurt turf quality.

Fertilize!

As the fall months lead  into winter, the turf will need more nutrients. The grass will need more nitrogen to sustain during the winter months as it enters dormancy. When spring arrives, the turf will be in a much better position than lawns that received no fall fertilization. It is recommended by turf scientists to apply at least 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet during these fall and winter applications. This increased nitrogen will bring great benefit to the lawn. 

Proper Mowing

As we have always said, proper mowing height is at least 3.5 inches for cool season grasses. This does not change when the seasons change. For your lawn to maintain through the winter, the grass plant needs to be as strong as possible. By mowing at that height, it is proven that the turf will be healthier year round.

When do I seed?

Unfortunately if you are just now asking that question, it is almost too late! The optimum time to seed is between August 15th and September 30th. The seed needs time to germinate and grow before the first frost hits. Any seeding done after September 30th is at risk and we do not encourage it. 

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more lawn care tips!

How We Protect The Environment!

The recent news coming from South Carolina of a massive bee kill from pesticide use has reminded us of the high risks involved in our industry. When we first learned about this tragedy, we asked a few questions that were quickly answered. It appears that a major lapse in following proper procedures were made when making the pesticide application. 

As more of the story was made public, we decided that we should make a clear statement on how we protect the environment and the practices and policies we have in place to keep everyone and everything safe. 

Properly Trained and Licensed Technicians

We feel the first step in protecting the environment is to have properly trained and licensed technicians. Every technician employed at Bowman's Pro Turf carries a Pesticide Applicator License through the Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC). This license is obtained only after the successful completion of the CORE examination issued by OISC. Once the exam has been passed, our technicians receive in depth, on site training. Our trainers have a combined 50 years experience in the lawn care industry. 

Proper Disposal of Containers

Each day we go through dozens of bags and jugs of products. All of the used containers are disposed of in an OISC approved facility. Any jug that contained a liquid product is triple-rinsed and holes are drilled in the bottom, rendering them useless. We also require our technicians to make a count each morning and evening of total bags loaded and used. This allows us to track the amount of waste that we produce and ensure that no trash is left behind on a job site. 

Responsible Use and Knowledge of Fertilizer and Pesticides

Several times a year we attend seminars and training sessions regarding industry updates. Through these sessions, new information is shared about advances made on the products we use. We also are extremely conscious about how much products we use on lawns. There are very specific regulations that mandate how much of certain products can be used in a given time frame. We watch these regulations closely and adjust our lawn care programs accordingly. We also are very aware of the recommended nitrogen amounts suggested by several reputable institutions. This allows us to further adjust our programs while still maintaining maximum results. 

Pesticides and herbicides that are used are strictly regulated both at the national and state level. Every product that we apply has already met strict regulator standards put forward by the Environmental Protection Agency. We will never use a product that has not met these requirements. Similarly, each product is issued a label by the EPA. That label instructs the user of specific site, personal protection equipment, rate of product, and any special restrictions. The label is law and if any part of the label is not followed, the user is in violation and at risk of harming themselves, others, and the environment. 

Avoid Adverse Weather Conditions During Applications

Weather is one of the biggest challenges in the lawn care industry. If we feel that the weather conditions are not fitting to make an application, we will hold off until it is more appropriate. Wind can blow products off and away from the indented target. We are constantly monitoring the weather and making decisions accordingly. 

To protect our liquid products from runoff, we mix and additive in our tanks that enhance the ability for the product to stick to the surface of the intended target. If it rains shortly after an application, our products have a higher chance of staying where we applied them and less chance of runoff.     

Pollinator Protection 

Earlier in the year we shared how we have partnered with Bayer Bee Care for their Feed A Bee program. So far, we have distributed over 3,000 wildflower seed packets in the Wabash Valley. We have trained our technicians about how to properly apply our products without harming pollinators. We have several customers who are bee keepers and have worked with them to maintain a pollinator friendly lawn care program. 

You can read our article about the FeedABee program here.

Pollinator Protection EPA

Follow Strict Office of Indiana State Chemist Guidelines

There are hundreds of laws and regulations in place to protect the environment. We gladly follow and abide to each of these regulations. Wavering from any of the safety regulations that are in place can create a business culture of taking short cuts. We will never cut corners when it comes to protecting our employees, our customers, and our environment. 

For more information about the Office of Indiana State Chemist you can visit their website at www.oisc.purdue.edu. 

If you have any questions about our environmental practices, please let us know. You can learn more about our company by visiting our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Midwest Regional Turf Foundation: Purdue Summer Field Day 2016

Purdue University Logo on turf

On July 14th, Dennis and I had the opportunity to attend the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation (MRTF) Summer Field day at Purdue University. More specifically, we spent 8 hours at the William H. Daniel Turfgrass Research and Diagnostic Center. I wanted to share a few of the topics that were discussed and some pictures from our day. 

It is very hard to accurately describe the Daniel's Center. The grounds hold 22 acres dedicated to studying turf, both residential and sport. Experiments happen daily at all times of the year. Professors and companies work together to test anything you can think of in the turf industry. Throughout the 22 acres, we were able to have hands on experience with the professors and their research as they led us through training sessions and discussion. Some of what we talked learned about was the "behind the scenes" experiments that happen years before a new product, equipment, or grass seed cultivar hits the market. Everything that was discusses helps us to provide a better service to you! 

Not all grass seed is created equally!

One of my favorite experiment plots at the Daniel's Center is where they are testing new cultivars of grass seeds. These experiments test several things including drought stress, disease resistance, and durability. 

Bluegrass Seed Plots

Many of the seed cultivars tested here do not have names. The manufactures test different species and mixes to see how they hold up over time. It was very interesting to see how different each plot was from those around it. These seed plots were planted 3 ago and have had proper irrigation, fertilizer, and weed control. 

The most obvious difference was in the Kentucky-31 or K31 seed. A homeowner will often read "Kentucky" and assume that it is a bluegrass. That is not the case! If you look close at the following picture, you can see the K31 is much lighter in color and has a wider blade.

Kentucky 31 or K31 grass between Turf Type Tall Fescue

Walmart and Rural King will have K31 grass seed on sale for a very cheap price. As you can see, even with ideal irrigation, fertilizer and weed control, the K31 stands out as undesirable among the rest. It goes to show that you get what you pay for.

Thousands of studies!

As the day progressed, we were able to learn about just a handful of the current studies that are happening. It was fascinating to hear how many different ways they test equipment, products, grass types, and much more. All of the experiments they preform are replicated at multiple locations throughout the 22 acre complex to ensure that they have the most accurate data. Below are pictures of some of the experiments.

This picture shows one experiment testing what affects mowing height and fertility have on dandelion blooms. A common theme throughout every experiment that involved mowing height was that the higher you mow, the less weeds are present. You can also observe that the turf is darker on the plots that are mowed above 3.5 inches.

Mowing Height Demonstration

The white grub is one of the most destructive insect pests in our region. This area is being used to test different behaviors of the white grubs and their adult beetles. It is fenced off with electrical wire and the beetles are protected in small cages to protect them from being eaten by animals. 

White Grub Management Experiment

The hot, humid, and rainy conditions have produced an ideal environment for many turf diseases.If you look closely at this picture, you can see the middle area was treated with a fungicide. The surrounding areas might have also been treated with fungicide but maybe at a different rate, with a different machine, or different formulation. 

Golf Course Turf Disease Management

This area shows the effectiveness of about 10 different types of crabgrass pre emergent used at the same time. The study went into detail so far as to test the effect of watering in immediately or waiting a week for rain. Each herbicide was also tested at different strengths.

Pre-emergent Experiment

Summary

Field Day Book

Overall we had a great day! Special thanks to everyone how put on this event and Dr. Aaron Patton who led many of our sessions. We had a great time learning about current topics in the lawn care management industry and how we can better serve our customers. A lot of what we talked about was how we can achieve better results. I was fascinated to see how many different ways they test one product before it even makes it back to the manufacture for final production. We talked about much more than what I can fit into this blog post!

As I have said before, lawn care is more than just a hobby. We are constantly reading and learning about different turf management topics. We utilize experts to become better informed so that we can provide the best service to our customers. While having a license to perform lawn care applications is important, a company also needs to have the knowledge of how to use that license. 

Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Head over to our website for more information about services we offer.

About MRTF

The mission of the MRTF is to support turf research and education at Purdue University for the advancement of the turfgrass industry.

Visit www.mrtf.org to learn more about the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation.

"Why do I have weeds?"

This is Indiana. We all know how the weather is here. We joke about how one day it will be 75 and sunny and that same afternoon it can be snowing. Spring in Indiana is probably one of the most changing times for weather patterns. Why is this important to lawn care and weeds? The reality is that weather plays a huge role in all lawn care programs.

We receive several phone calls every day with the same simple question. 

"Why do I have insert weed name here?"

While this may be a simple question, it is not a simple answer. There are several factors that control how we address weeds. 

Soil Temperature

Herbicides are only effective when soil temperatures are just right. We might have a few nice days of 50-60 degree weather but the soil temperatures may still be well below what is required for the herbicide to be effective. We use charts and scientific trackers to follow when the temperatures are right to begin using the products. We can spray for weeds during our Early Spring application but it would be a waste of product, money, and environmentally irresponsible. 

Timing

The products that we use are of high quality, however, the proper timing and technique of the use of these products determines the results. We cannot guess on when we should make applications. Everything that we do has science behind it. Timing is one of the most important parts of the science. Like with soil temperature, we could apply products when the timing is least optimal but we would see less than satisfying results. 

Plant Type

Weeds are classified into several different categories. Grassy weeds, broad leaf weeds, winter annuals, summer annuals, not all weeds are the same. Each kind of weed also can require a different product to be effective. Some grassy weeds may not be affected by products that kill broad leaf weeds. Proper plant identification is very important in determining the product used. 

Many consumers buy products based on the picture on the bottle. They then apply that product at the first chance they get and disregard most of the printed label. Results are never as expected because misapplication likely happens. 

Misunderstanding of Application Terms

I have visited Facebook pages of several stores and product manufactures and see the same statements. "I applied the crabgrass pre-emergent and I still have dandelions. Your product doesn't work!" We also hear this from time to time here. 

A crab grass pre-emergent specifically targets crabgrass and the germination process of crabgrass. As stated above, different weeds are affected by different kinds of products. A grassy weed such as crabgrass takes a specific product to control. Dandelions and purple dead nettle take a different product. 

Many products on the market for residential consumer use are very misleading because they say things such as "Total Weed Control" when really it is just a pre-emergent. This label confusion has caused a lot of misled consumers with high expectations that are never met. Properly reading the label of what weeds are controlled will help you gain an understanding of what the application will manage.

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Nothing of what we do is a secret. Many lawn care professionals have spent years perfecting their lawn care management programs. Universities have entire degree, masters, and PhD programs on Turf Management and Lawn Care. I am not making any of these facts up either. For a very detailed article that goes into more about the specific science of weed control, click here!

As lawn care professionals. we are constantly learning from publications and attending courses hosted by Purdue University. We take our industry very serious. Lawn care is not just a hobby. Our industry provides over 800,000 jobs and $57.9 billion in economic impact. We want everyone to know that we are proud of what we do and our knowledge and expertise show it! 

We would love to hear back from you! Leave comments below or write us on our Facebook page. We also have a new website! Be sure follow us on Instagram and Twitter! 

Lawn Care Myths...

Since it is April 1st, we wanted to write about some topics that are myths but commonly are mistaken as fact. 

This is not an April Fools Joke blog...

Getting rid of grub worms gets rid of moles! FALSE

The primary food source for moles are earth worms. Your lawn may be infested with moles and not grub worms. If grub worms are present, moles will eat them but they will consider it a special treat. Also, when moles feed, they follow their food source. When the soil is dry, the earth worms move to deeper soil that is moist and cool and the moles follow. When it rains a lot the earth worms move to the top. This is often when we see a lot of mole damage because they are closer to the surface.

I got rid of my moles so that should mean we will not get any more! FALSE

Moles do not care about property lines or if there were moles in your yard previously. New families of moles will come and go. There is no "mole preventer" on the market that will actually act as a barrier to keep new moles from moving into your yard. 

I used a product that said year long control so I will not have any more weeds this year! FALSE

Year long or season long control is hardly a real thing. To understand why, you need to understand the biology of plants and the weeds that you are trying to fight. Different species of weeds germinate and grow at different times of the year. One application of one product will not provide year long control from all weeds. 

When you are sick with a cold you use one medicine. If you have strep throat you use a different medicine. It is the same with weeds. You might have killed one weed, but other weeds may not be affected. And just because you killed one, does not mean it will prevent new weeds from growing. 

Lawn care is nothing more than just throwing some fertilizer on a lawn. It can't be that hard! FALSE

In the lawn care industry, everything that we do has a scientific reason behind it. From the fertilizer analysis we choose, to the time we apply products, we calculate everything. It is not as simple as some people try to make it sound. If proper timing is not closely monitored or the wrong product used in an area not designated safe, a lot can go wrong. 

It is extremely important to hire someone who knows what they are doing. A cheap price tag might be appealing but if they truly do not have an understanding of plant and insect biology and the chemical makeup of products, you will pay for it in the long run.

I picked up some grass seed that can be planted in heavy shade and at any time of the year and get full results! This is going to be easy! FALSE

Unfortunately, there is no grass that can truly thrive in heavily shaded areas. If you go to state park, look around and see how much grass is growing in the woods. Chances are you will see moss, ferns, and other plants...but not grass. Grass needs at least 8 hours of sunlight a day to thrive. Heavily shaded areas require a lot of care to build up the turf. 

Irrigation, seeding timing, and soil preparation all need to be carefully analyzed to ensure that any seed has a chance to germinate and grow. 

I saw on the TV that the bee population is dying and that pesticides have killed them all. FALSE

The USDA has released a study showing that the bee population has actually been on the rise over the last 10 years! The number one killer of bees are mites. Mites are tiny insects or parasites that attach themselves to the bee and live off of the bee. Many bee keepers use pesticides to kill the mites that have infected their bee colonies. 

The EPA and other governing agencies including the Office of the Indiana State Chemist have put strict regulations into place regarding the use of pesticides around bees and other pollinators. We are always looking out for our little bee friends. You can find out more about what we are doing to help the bees in our blog "Our Commitment To Bees!"
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Here at Bowman's Pro Turf, Co. we take pride in working with our customers to provide the best quality service in the Wabash Valley. We are not going to sell you something that you do not need, that will not work, or you do not want. When anyone calls us, we provide the facts. We work to ensure the integrity of the Lawn Care Industry is upheld. We work to provide an experience that builds trust and confidence in our company. Anything less is unacceptable. 

From our 28 years in the Lawn Care Industry, to constantly attending training, we have the knowledge and understanding to properly address your lawn care needs.  

We would love to hear back from you! Leave comments below or write us on our Facebook page. We also have a new website! Be sure follow us on Instagram and Twitter! 

Mowing Tips

I want to let you in on an industry secret. Having a dense and healthy lawn with minimal weeds begins with you! One of the simplest ways that you can begin to achieve the yard that you desire is by adjusting your mowing habits. Here are some important tips to follow that will help give you a head start this season on your lawn.

Mowing Height

I have seen too many residential lawns cut to look like a putting green. This needs to stop happening. In general, we recommend to our customers that they mow between 3 and 3.5 inches. There are several reasons that mowing height affects turf health. Mowing too low is known as "scalping" and can create brown areas that are often misidentified as diseases or other non-related causes. 

One of the biggest benefits to a taller turf is that it allows for the plant to build a stronger and deeper root system. This root system will be beneficial for building a dense turf, maintaining turf performance during drought, and limit weed competition. 

When assessing the mowing height of your lawn, we suggest that you DO NOT rely on the setting of your mower alone. Start your mower and cut a small strip and check that area with a ruler or tape measure. The deck setting on mowers are just a gauge and not a true height of the cut. Even if your mower says 3 or 4 that simply is just a guide and not the actual height of the cut. 

Infrequent Mowing

It takes a long time to mow. Sometimes it is easier to let your lawn go for a few weeks until you cannot stand to look at it any longer. You go out to mow and the tall grass bogs down your mower, giant clumps of grass are left all over your lawn, and you feel exhausted. While you might think that this is only a visual eyesore for your lawn, it is a very big problem for the overall health of your lawn. The stress caused on the turf from infrequent mowing is detrimental to plant health that will allow for more weed competition.

When mowing, you should never cut more than 1/3 of the blade in one mowing. If your desired mowing height is 3 inches you should be sure to mow before the grass is over 4.5 inches tall. 

Do Not Bag!

When you mow, the cut part of the leaf will fall back to the ground and return valuable nutrients to the soil. If you bag after each mowing, you are depriving your lawn of these nutrients that promote dense growth. The same goes with in the fall when the leaves fall. While it may not look the nicest if you mulch all of the leaves in your lawn, you are doing a huge favor in providing your lawn with extra nutrients that will be needed to last through the winter. 

Dull Mower Blades

One last tip that we suggest is to sharpen mower blades often. A dull mower blade will tear the leaf of grass instead of providing a clean cut. If your blades are dull, you will notice that the top of the blade looks frayed and white or brown. A dull mower blade will result in the plant to lose more water, heal slower, and have poor aesthetics. 

Dull mower blades leave turf damaged and frayed.

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We hope that you find these tips helpful in maintaining a healthy lawn. If you have any questions feel free to call us or visit our website for more information.

Our website has a new look! Check it out at www.bowmansproturf.com

Be sure to like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @BowmansProTurf and Instagram @Bowmans_Pro_Turf. 

Is your lawn care company licensed?

Would you hire someone to do electrical work in your home who was not a licensed electrician? 

The answer should be a resounding NO! 

Lawn care is no different. In the state of Indiana, it is the law that anyone who applies pesticides or fertilizers to a property for money must obtain a business license from the Office of Indiana State Chemist. That business also is required to employ at least one individual who is a certified applicator and pass the category 3b exam (turf management). 

Why is this important to me, the homeowner?

Many of the fertilizers and pesticides that are applied to your lawn have very important instructions regarding the handling, use, and disposal of the product. As a certified and licensed company, we know how to properly use these products in ways that yield the best results.  We are also legally bound to only perform tasks indicated by our license and category type. This limits individuals and companies from providing services that they do not have proper training or understanding in. 

I will just have my mowing guy spray when they are here. Is that ok?

Only if they are licensed! Individuals in Indiana must be licensed to apply any type of pesticide or fertilizer to a customers lawn regardless of the type of company they own. Even if your mowing company will "kill your weeds for free" they still must obtain a proper license. 

Why is a license so important anyway?

As lawn care professionals, we take a lot of pride in our work. Our programs have taken years to develop and have required a lot of research and learning. Licenses are important because they protect everyone involved in the lawn care industry including the environment, the homeowner, and the applicator!

What about your applicators? 

All of our lawn care applicators have passed the Indiana Pesticide Applicator Core Exam issued through the Office of Indiana State Chemist and are considered Registered Technicians, RT's. Our applicators also attend training throughout the year to stay current on industry standards. All of our applicators follow strict guidelines regarding the handling and use of the products that are used. 

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Our training in turf management gives us the knowledge to properly identify issues and provide our customers with the best solutions. We take pride in our work and in the lawn care industry. It is important to us that our customers know that we are dedicated to providing the best service and results. If you are not happy, we are not happy! 

Be sure to like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @BowmansProTurf and Instagram @Bowmans_Pro_Turf. 

Dormant Seeding

Several times in the last week we received calls about seeding estimates before Spring. This is not unusual and, if done properly, can provide great results.

In the turf industry, we call this "Dormant Seeding." The term dormant is used because the colder temperatures allow the seed to lay dormant in the soil and not germinate until the soil temperatures rise consistently above 50 degrees or higher (late April). It is very easy for us to schedule a dormant seeding application because it is completed before the unpredictable spring showers occur, typically in March.

Some of the reasons that you might consider dormant seeding are:

• Thin turf due to winter damage
• Poor turf recovery and density from the previous year turf issues
• New construction around your home that disrupted turf growth

Some things to consider about seeding new turf areas include:

• Is the soil sandy or filled with clay?
• How much shade covers the desired area to be seeded?
• What kind of seed will be planted?
• How will irrigation be managed? 

Healthy turf provides aesthetic, economical, social, and environmental benefits to not only the homeowner but to the community as a whole. Turf provides for areas for recreation, relaxation, and sports activities. The environment is also benefited through established turf by increased air quality, reducing soil erosion, filtering contaminants from water, and many other important ways.

A lot of the issues that are faced with seeding lawns comes after the seed is applied. During your consultation with us here at Bowman's Pro Turf, Co., we will provide you with information regarding the proper care of your newly seeded area. It is important that the instructions are followed to help ensure the best results.

If you would like to request a free estimate for dormant seeding, give us a call at 812-448-1852! We would be happy to help you achieve the best yard possible. 

Be sure to follow us on Twitter @BowmansProTurf, Instagram @Bowmans_Pro_Turf, and Facebook!

Some of the content in this blog was gathered from the Purdue University Extension publication Establishing Turfgrass Areas From Seed (AY-3-W) and are available from the Education Store.

We are Bowman's Pro Turf Co.

Welcome!

We are excited that you have visited our blog. We will be sharing our knowledge about lawn care and general turf maintenance best practices. We hope that through our blog we can share information with you that you find useful and also helps make your lawn the best that it can be.

Who We Are:
Dennis and Christine Bowman founded Bowman's Pro Turf Co. in 1987 with the goal of providing the best lawn treatments tailored to each individual customers' needs. Over the last 28 years, Dennis and Christine have maintained that high standard of service to each of their customers while developing a unique and specific Integrated Pest Management program for each individual customer.

Dennis is certified through the Office of the Indiana State Chemist in the following categories:

Ornamental Pest Management (3A)
Turf Management (3B)
Industrial Weed Management (6)
Industrial, institutional structural, and health related pest management (7A)
Termite Control (7B)

For more information about these certifications and license categories you can visit the Office of the Indiana State Chemist website found here. 

Christine is a Registered Technician through the Office of the State Chemist and just finished serving 9 years on the Board of Directors of the Indiana Professional Land & Landscape Association where she served as President for 1 year. She also is an active member of the 100+ Women Who Care in Clay County.

Beginning in the Winter of 2016, Andrew and Megan Bowman joined the team. Both Andrew and Megan are graduates of Indiana State University. Andrew with a degree in Recreation Management and Megan with a degree in Housing Marketing. They both have spent the last two years working in the Indianapolis area but are excited to bring their talents and knowledge from their previous careers to the Bowman's Pro Turf Co. team. 

We hope that you find value in our blog as we post about many different topics in the lawn care and turf management field. These topics will include recommendations about turf care, pest identification, best practices, and common myths. 

Be sure to follow us on twitter @BowmansProTurf and find us on Instagram @Bowmans_ProTurf and like us on Facebook!